What defines special anchorage areas?

Special anchorage areas are defined as zones designated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, specifically under the authority granted by the U.S. Coast Guard. These areas are established to provide safe anchorage for vessels, especially in congested or busy waterways, and to enhance navigational safety. The designation of these areas helps ensure that they meet specific safety and operational standards, allowing various types of vessels to stop without posing a hazard to other maritime activities.

Local harbor masters may have input regarding anchorage use and management, but the formal designation comes from federal authority. Similarly, while international maritime agreements and navigational beacons play significant roles in guiding and managing maritime activities, they do not directly lead to the definition of special anchorage areas as established by the Secretary.